United States: According to a poison control center in the USA, potential cocaine and methamphetamine poisonings in dogs and cats has recently risen after their owners left these substances in rooms purposefully. This is a rather worrying trend that shows how these substances are toxic to pets and can easily cause the death of the pet, as reported by HealthDay.
Fatal Effects of Cocaine and Meth Swallowing
Various authors led by Dr. Ware from the University of North Carolina agree that detection of cocaine or meth in any quantity is dangerous because of high levels of toxicity and potential mortality. In domestic animals these drugs if ingested needs emergency veterinary attention as the chances of the animal’s survival without medical attention are very slim.
A new study shows shocking rates.
Out of the cases studied from 2019 to 2023, 433 dogs and 63 cats were poisoned by meth or cocaine. Out of the reported cases, 65% of the cats were involved in cocaine cases while 58% of dogs cases involve meth. The Western and Southern states were the most affected with 163 dogs succumbing to drug poisoning in the West and 115 in the South.
Increase in Cocaine Poisoning
More US Pets Overdosing on Stray Cocaine, Meth | https://t.co/1hHqmLiQ6O https://t.co/pNz6OoN4OT
— Pearl (@Pearl56297843) December 23, 2024
While meth poisoning rates remained relatively stable, the study found a significant rise in cocaine poisoning in both cats and dogs between 2019 and 2023. This trend mirrors the growing issue of substance abuse in certain regions, raising concerns about the impact on pets.
The Growing Threat to Pets
The research published in the JAMA Network Open on December 20th shows that the link between human substance abuse and pet health is only worsening. With time, drug-related harms persist and pets from these environments are also at higher risk for poisoning and can die if not treated.
Why it is Critical to Protect Pet Animals
‘Cats and dogs are essential companions to households, and they offer companionship,’ the study makes a point. The researchers urge people to consider the dangers pets are vulnerable to in a house where unlawful substances are concealed because of the integration of human and animal well-being, as reported by HealthDay.
Call for Action
With a noticeable increase in pet poisonings involving drugs pet owners are encouraged to be more careful. That means perceiving the risks or dangers and, in order to try to get the animals early medical help, could be critical to the pets’ survival if they come across such toxic materials.